Knights Get Big Defensive Commitment

Recruiting

Defensive Back Jacob Venson From Georgia Had More Than 100 Tackles Last Season.

January 31, 2004|By Bill Buchalter, Sentinel Staff Writer

The final visit weekend before National Signing Day next Wednesday began with UCF receiving perhaps its best commitment thus far.

Marietta (Ga.) High defensive back Jacob Venson (5-feet-11, 190 pounds), defensive player of the year in Cobb County, gave the Knights their 15th commitment. Venson was credited with more than 100 tackles plus five blocked kicks and scored four defensive touchdowns. He earned Class 5A all-state honorable-mention notice and is ranked as one of the top 50 players in Georgia by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On the final visit weekend, UCF is scheduled to bring in seven recruits from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Florida expects to bring eight recruits to campus this weekend, including Miami Carol City linebacker Willie Williams, who has emerged as the state's most coveted prospect, and running back Andrew Johnson of Pittsburgh, who has committed to Pitt. FSU's visit list includes a trio of coveted prospects from Tallahassee Lincoln -- linebacker Rodney Gallon, cornerback Joe Manning and guard Calvin Darity.

Pittsburgh received a commitment from one of the state's tallest prospects, offensive lineman Jerald Robinson (6-9/310) of Fort Pierce Central, and Kansas got Miami Edison linebacker Brouce Mompremier (6-0/210) to switch from South Florida. Mompremier, ranked 20th on the Sentinel's list of the state's top 20 prospects, still is taking visits and his final destination won't be known until signing day.

Around Central Florida, University offensive lineman Ted Kimmey (6-4/260) will choose among Army and three I-AA schools: Fordham, Bucknell and Florida Atlantic. Apopka defensive end Herb Felder (6-2/210) will choose among New Mexico, where he is scheduled to visit this weekend, and I-AA schools Bethune-Cookman and Massachusetts.